VehicleVerdict

1995 Nissan D21 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 159 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 5.7 times the median D21 year — the 1995 model ranks #1 of 12 D21 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across body & structure (35), brakes (20), and engine (17), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

159

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

1

Investigations

11

Crash-involved

4

Fires reported

9

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1995 compare to other D21 years?

D21 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1995 highlighted159 complaints1986: 0 complaints1987: 0 complaints1988: 1 complaints1989: 5 complaints1990: 1 complaints1991: 35 complaints1992: 21 complaints1993: 49 complaints1994: 76 complaints1995: 159 complaints1996: 47 complaints1997: 72 complaints
D21 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1995 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all D21 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1995 Nissan D21 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Body & Structure3522%
Brakes2013%
Lighting1711%
Engine1711%
Transmission117%
Tires & Wheels106%
Visibility & Wipers96%
Fuel System96%
Electrical System74%
Speed Control74%
Suspension64%
Seat Belts43%
Seats21%
Other21%
Steering11%
Airbags11%
Latches & Locks11%

Does the 1995 Nissan D21 have recalls?

5 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

09E012000LightingApril 7, 2009 · 16,270 units

Defect

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

06E049000LightingMay 24, 2006 · 27,176 units

Defect

CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.

98V234000LightingSeptember 21, 1998 · 100,032 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. A REAR LAMP WILL NOT ILLUMINATE BECAUSE THE METAL BARREL IN THE LIGHT BULB SOCKET MOVES OR SEPARATES FROM THE PLASTIC SOCKET HOUSING DUE TO INADEQUATE HEAT RESISTANCE OF THE PLASTIC AT THE LAMP OPERATING TEMPERATURE.

Consequence

THE STOP/TAIL COMBINATION LAMP OR THE TURN SIGNAL LAMP WILL NOT FUNCTION.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BULB SOCKETS IN THE REAR COMBINATION LAMPS.

94V251000BrakesDecember 30, 1994 · 500 units

Defect

THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE CALIPER PISTON SEAL GROOVE WAS IMPROPERLY MACHINED CAUSING A BRAKE FLUID LEAK WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE A LOSS OF BRAKING CAPABILITY.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE BRAKE CALIPERS ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES.

94V243000Latches & LocksDecember 14, 1994 · 200 units

Defect

TRUCKS WERE ASSEMBLED WITHOUT A DOOR LOCK PLATE IN THE RIGHT SIDE DOOR.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN THE DOOR NOT LATCHINGCORRECTLY, IN AN ACCIDENT, EXPOSING PASSENGER TO INCREASED RISK OF INJURY.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND INSTALL DOOR LOCK PLATE IN VEHICLES WHICH ARE MISSING A DOOR PLATE.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“ALTHOUGH THIS HAS NOT LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT YET, THE FRAME ON MY 1995 NISSAN PICKUP TRUCK IS RUSTING SO BAD IT APPEARS TO BE ROTTING. I CONCERNED ABOUT DRIVING IT, BUT SCARED TO SEE WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT. I KNOW TOYOTA HAS BOUGHT BACK THERE OLDER PICKUPS AND I THINK NISSAN SHOULD…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · January 30, 2009

“WHILE PARKED, APPLIED EMERGENCY BRAKE, UPON EXITING VEHICLE MUST HIT BRAKE RELEASE AND VEHICLE ROLLED DOWN SLIGHT INCLINE HITTING FIRE HYDRANT. TT”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · crash

“CONSUMER CALLED COMPLAINING ABOUT HAVING PROBLEMS WITH WIRE HARNESS ROUTED OVER THE ENGINE NUT CAUSING ACCELARATING CHAFING WHICH CAUSED A FIRE ON THE VEHICLE. DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THE SAME REASON. ALSO CONSUMER STATED THAT THIS HAS HAPPEND TWICE. TS”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 1, 2000 · fire

“RECALL 98V234000 NISSAN/LIGHT BULB SOCKET; DEALER IS NOT SURE WHEN PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE TO CORRECT RECALL CAMPAIGN. OWNER HAS BEEN CONTACTING DEALERSHIP FOR ABOUT 6 WEEKS. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting

“AROUND 35 MPH, THE SPEEDOMETER'S NEEDLE MOVES FROM 0 TO 100 MPH UNTIL IT GETS TO ABOUT 40 MPH. WHILE IT IS MOVING, IT MAKES A STRANGE NOISE. ALSO, THE NEEDLE SOMETIMES MOVES OVER TO 100 MPH AND STAYS FOR A FEW SECONDS, NO MATTER THE SPEED OF THE TRUCK. IT IS DIFFICULT TO DETERMINE THE SPEED THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission

1995 Nissan D21 — common questions

Is the 1995 Nissan D21 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 159 complaints put the 1995 model at #1 of 12 D21 years. It is one of the D21 years to avoid.

What are the most common 1995 D21 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are body & structure (35 complaints), brakes (20 complaints), engine (17 complaints).

Does the 1995 Nissan D21 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 1995 Nissan D21. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1995 Nissan D21 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Nissan D21 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the D21 years to avoid are 1995, 1994, 1997, 1993, 1996. The cleanest record among D21 years belongs to 1987.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.